PLANTING SEEDS OF COLLABORATION + COMMERCIALIZATION

Oregon BEST hosts, sponsors, and participates in renewable energy and sustainable built environment events to foster collaboration between industry and Oregon BEST's shared-user network of university researchers and facilities. Our Member Faculty, staff, and leadership often speak at events related to our mission.

UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES...

February 9 (Portland) February 16 (Seattle)
BetterBricks Awards
9th Annual BetterBricks Awards - Portland. Keynote speaker: David Bragdon, Director of New York Mayor Bloomberg’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability and former Metro Council President. Feb 9, 7:30-9:30 a.m. Hilton Hotel, Portland, OR. Register.
7th Annual BetterBricks Awards - Puget Sound. Keynote speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of Office of Federal High Performance Green Buildings, U.S. GSA. Feb. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Renaissance Hotel-Marriott, Seattle, WA. Register.

February 14, 2012 (Submission Deadline)
University Research & Entrepreneurship Symposium
URES is currently accepting proposals for its 2012 conference on April 18th at the Microsoft New England Research and Development Center in Cambridge, MA. Projects/technoloies developed out of a university lab are invited to submit to present at URES 2012. The event will feature breakthrough technologies in three focus areas: information technology, life sciences, and clean energy.

February 15, 2012 (Submission Deadline)
U.S. Dept. of Energy Student Business Plan Competition
First Look West (FLoW) invites student teams throughout the Western U.S. to participate in the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s first ever business plan competition for clean energy. FLoW offers $200,000 in prize money as well as mentoring programs, legal start-up packages, and the opportunity to pitch to investors who can help student entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into commercial reality. Students attending accredited universities throughout the United States can submit an application by February 15, 2012.

March 13 (Portland) March 15 (Seattle), 2012 
Wood Solutions Fairs
Day-long, free fairs feature seminars led by national and international experts, plus a trade exposition. Architects, engineers, building owners, and others will learn about modern wood products and exciting design possibilities, including structural and economic benefits of wood for low and mid-rise commercial structures. Attendees can choose up to six of 35 seminar options. Presentations range from using innovative timber-based systems for schools and designing the world’s tallest mixed-use wood building, to shear wall testing and efficient use of wood framing in retail buildings. Portland, OR and Seattle, WA

April 25-26, 2012 
Oregon Future Energy Conference
Presented by Northwest Environmental Business Council (NEBC) and the Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA), this conference provides a excellent forum for learning, networking, and business development – including members of the energy industry, energy end-users, policy makers, and economic development professionals. Portland, OR

May 2-4, 2012 
Living Future 2012 – Women Reshaping the World
Where the green building movement’s leading thinkers and practitioners come together to share their deep expertise and dearest hopes. Oregon BEST's Sustainable Built Environment Program Manager, Johanna Brickman, will be a featured speaker, addressing the green building materials ecosystem as well as ecodistricts. Portland, OR. NOTICE: Register before February 1st, to take advantage of early-bird rates!

PAST EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS...

Oregon BEST FEST '11 The Pacific Northwest’s premier expo and networking event for renewable energy and sustainable built environment research, development, and commercialization brought together university researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for an all-day conference in Portland on September 12th. Read more about the 2011 event HERE.

Oregon BEST FEST '10: Wrapup and Presentations  

Oregon BEST FEST '09: Wrapup and Presentations

Oregon BEST - OSEIA Solar Energy R&D Roundtable (Sept. 13, 2011)

Fast Pyrolysis & Woody Biomass Workshop (sponsored by Oregon BEST)

FINAL REPORT: Oregon BEST Biobased Products Rural Outreach Project (PDF)

Green Building Working Meeting, Portland (presentations & reports)